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Something to Believe In
He loves me... She Loves me not...
Oliver is dealing with survivor's guilt after the car accident that killed his dad. The only good things he has left in his life are his childhood best friend, and his dream of making it to the Australian Football League.
Hannah was looking forward to her final year of high school after making editor of the school magazine, but instead she is left reeling from a series of Oliver's choices that threaten their friendship and his football dreams.
Left confused, hurt and betrayed by the boy who has known her forever, can Oliver earn Hannah's forgiveness before he's got nothing left to believe in?
Oliver is dealing with survivor's guilt after the car accident that killed his dad. The only good things he has left in his life are his childhood best friend, and his dream of making it to the Australian Football League.
Hannah was looking forward to her final year of high school after making editor of the school magazine, but instead she is left reeling from a series of Oliver's choices that threaten their friendship and his football dreams.
Left confused, hurt and betrayed by the boy who has known her forever, can Oliver earn Hannah's forgiveness before he's got nothing left to believe in?
338 pages, Paperback
Published August 16, 2022
8 people are currently reading
73 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 19, 2022
Okay, I’m starting this with a confession. I am the least ‘Aussie’ Australian you’ll ever meet. I don’t follow AFL (or NRL or Union or cricket), and I honestly have zero interest in it. So to have a protagonist so heavily in AFL was something new to me…and Oli’s story really spoke to me. (Not enough for me to reconsider my stance on Australian football, but nothing will manage that.)
Jennah Sobevski’s writing flows effortlessly with an unashamedly Australian voice. I loved it. For me, the story was reminiscent of James Moloney’s Touch Me, which is one of my favourite Australian YA/NA novels (and also deals with similar themes of mental health and the exploration of relationships amongst teenagers on the cusp of adulthood, much like this novel.)
Something To Believe In had me gripped from its emotional opening and I was turning pages with genuine engagement. I found myself deeply invested in Hannah & Oli and their story.
I attended a co-ed private school in Queensland, and I could vividly picture the Victorian private school settings in this novel. The bullying, the parties, parental pressure…this all took me right back to my senior year of high school.
I related to Hannah, and loved the depth of her character, but Oli was the real “star” of this novel for me. On more than one occasion, I teared up as I read his chapters. Though I found Hannah’s journey more personally relatable, Oli’s was the one I was mostly invested in…even with my deep seated dislike of AFL, haha.
This was a beautiful, moving coming of age novel from start to finish. With bittersweet moments and a fully fleshed out cast of characters, it was such a wonderful read. Congratulations to Jennah Sobevski for such a strong debut novel!
Jennah Sobevski’s writing flows effortlessly with an unashamedly Australian voice. I loved it. For me, the story was reminiscent of James Moloney’s Touch Me, which is one of my favourite Australian YA/NA novels (and also deals with similar themes of mental health and the exploration of relationships amongst teenagers on the cusp of adulthood, much like this novel.)
Something To Believe In had me gripped from its emotional opening and I was turning pages with genuine engagement. I found myself deeply invested in Hannah & Oli and their story.
I attended a co-ed private school in Queensland, and I could vividly picture the Victorian private school settings in this novel. The bullying, the parties, parental pressure…this all took me right back to my senior year of high school.
I related to Hannah, and loved the depth of her character, but Oli was the real “star” of this novel for me. On more than one occasion, I teared up as I read his chapters. Though I found Hannah’s journey more personally relatable, Oli’s was the one I was mostly invested in…even with my deep seated dislike of AFL, haha.
This was a beautiful, moving coming of age novel from start to finish. With bittersweet moments and a fully fleshed out cast of characters, it was such a wonderful read. Congratulations to Jennah Sobevski for such a strong debut novel!
December 23, 2023
**This novel involves suicide and mental health elements so just a warning before you read**
SOMETHING TO BELIEVE IN is a story about Oliver and Hannah and their trials and tribulations of growing up, finding love and finishing their last year of school. Being best friends they'd never seen each other as anything but that, until one night that all changes.
What a rollercoaster... the story is youthful, sweet and will help so many people with mental health and fighting the concept of breaking down the barrier to ask for help. So many young and older people today suffer silently and at a cost. This book will remind those who feel lonely that it is okay NOT to be okay. Talking to someone can help.
I enjoyed Jennah's book and can't wait to see what else she writes!!
SOMETHING TO BELIEVE IN is a story about Oliver and Hannah and their trials and tribulations of growing up, finding love and finishing their last year of school. Being best friends they'd never seen each other as anything but that, until one night that all changes.
What a rollercoaster... the story is youthful, sweet and will help so many people with mental health and fighting the concept of breaking down the barrier to ask for help. So many young and older people today suffer silently and at a cost. This book will remind those who feel lonely that it is okay NOT to be okay. Talking to someone can help.
I enjoyed Jennah's book and can't wait to see what else she writes!!
July 19, 2022
Something to Believe In is an excellent story from beginning to end!
If you love dual POV, heavy topics, sports, and romance, this is book may for you. It's also friends to lovers! But definitely check the content warnings before diving into this one.
This book deals with a lot of important topics such as grief and bullying. Something to Believe In handles these topics well. It's balanced with strong friendships and adorable romance.
This is a great debut novel.
I can't wait to see what Jennah Sobevski writes next!
If you love dual POV, heavy topics, sports, and romance, this is book may for you. It's also friends to lovers! But definitely check the content warnings before diving into this one.
This book deals with a lot of important topics such as grief and bullying. Something to Believe In handles these topics well. It's balanced with strong friendships and adorable romance.
This is a great debut novel.
I can't wait to see what Jennah Sobevski writes next!
June 26, 2023
Oliver is suffering with survivors guilt after his father dies in a car accident with Oli in the car.
Hannah his bf stands by his side they're best friends since childhood and do absolutely everything together.
Then on her 17th birthday they kiss and their relationship changes. Olli gets scared and Hannah is confused.
This is a beautiful book written with huge empathy and understanding for people going through survivors guilt, suicide and teenage coming of age angst.
A romantic book and filled with understanding and care on every page.
Triggers
Suicide
Survivors guilt
Kerry Kennedy Author
Hannah his bf stands by his side they're best friends since childhood and do absolutely everything together.
Then on her 17th birthday they kiss and their relationship changes. Olli gets scared and Hannah is confused.
This is a beautiful book written with huge empathy and understanding for people going through survivors guilt, suicide and teenage coming of age angst.
A romantic book and filled with understanding and care on every page.
Triggers
Suicide
Survivors guilt
Kerry Kennedy Author
October 31, 2022
Something to Believe in is a perfect read for YA readers.
Oliver and Hannah have been best friends for forever.
Yr 12 was meant to be their best and final year of school.
When a car accident kills Oliver’s Dad, leaving Oliver as the only survivor, Oliver is left with survivors guilt.
Dealing with the devastation of losing his dad, Oliver makes some poor choices which end up hurting Hannah and jeopardizes their lifelong friendship.
A good read that deals with depression and suicide.
I feel like this is a book that needs to be read in schools.
Oliver and Hannah have been best friends for forever.
Yr 12 was meant to be their best and final year of school.
When a car accident kills Oliver’s Dad, leaving Oliver as the only survivor, Oliver is left with survivors guilt.
Dealing with the devastation of losing his dad, Oliver makes some poor choices which end up hurting Hannah and jeopardizes their lifelong friendship.
A good read that deals with depression and suicide.
I feel like this is a book that needs to be read in schools.
July 11, 2022
This Arc read I read in one sitting. It's hard hitting in terms of some big topics that effect us today. I can say a few tears were shed by this one, a beautiful Australian author with her debuted album writes a captivating story about the struggles of trauma and the effects it has on mental health.
September 7, 2022
This book was perfect for YA readers. Relatable topics, well written and hard to put down. Follow Hannah and Oli from friendship to something more while dealing with high school drama, bullying and suicide.
October 16, 2022
Absolutely loved this book, the writing, the characters. I got about 100 pages in and I almost threw my book across the room. I was so mad at Sarah. Hannah and Oliver are the heart of the story. With real life issues teens face in high school, this book had me in tears. I highly recommend this book and the writing is amazing. I’ll be thinking about this book for a long time. Absolutely beautiful story.
September 10, 2022
A beautifully written book from beginning to end!
Jennah does an amazing job of highlighting the importance of support for those suffering from mental health illnesses. She addresses these big issues in a sensitive way and I applaud her for her ability to raise awareness for those suffering from such debilitating illnesses.
This book had me hooked and I finished it within a weekend. The friendships between the characters were so relatable and loved the themes of family and loyalty throughout.
A five star read that I will definitely pick up again to read in the future.
Can’t wait for the next book! 📚
Jennah does an amazing job of highlighting the importance of support for those suffering from mental health illnesses. She addresses these big issues in a sensitive way and I applaud her for her ability to raise awareness for those suffering from such debilitating illnesses.
This book had me hooked and I finished it within a weekend. The friendships between the characters were so relatable and loved the themes of family and loyalty throughout.
A five star read that I will definitely pick up again to read in the future.
Can’t wait for the next book! 📚
October 5, 2022
Something to Believe In is one of my favorite reads of 2022. If you love an emotional love story with real characters and amazing mental health representation, this book is for you!
Five stars 😍😍
Five stars 😍😍
November 11, 2022
Something to cry over
This book deals with some issues that may be triggering for some people. But it deals with them in a softer way than most books I read.
I wouldn't call this a journey. But more of a growth. You follow along with multiple points of view from the two main characters. Watching as they struggle to communicate as well as come to terms with their own feelings. There is no spice in the book and is suitable for teens.
The topics of bullying, PTSD, cheating, lying, and suicide are things most teens will face every day. This book is about the characters reactions to these things and how they grow from it.
This book deals with some issues that may be triggering for some people. But it deals with them in a softer way than most books I read.
I wouldn't call this a journey. But more of a growth. You follow along with multiple points of view from the two main characters. Watching as they struggle to communicate as well as come to terms with their own feelings. There is no spice in the book and is suitable for teens.
The topics of bullying, PTSD, cheating, lying, and suicide are things most teens will face every day. This book is about the characters reactions to these things and how they grow from it.
January 9, 2023
So very Australian (despite me being a rugby girl) and so very teenager-esque. A great read.
TWs include mental health and suicide - resources included in the back of the book for anyone who needs them.
TWs include mental health and suicide - resources included in the back of the book for anyone who needs them.
August 25, 2022
This book is an emotional roller-coaster, it delves into some very hard hitting issues and events that most people don't experience until well into their life. This book follows the path of two teens who are best friends and stick by each other through thick and thin!
Multiple POV, well written, excellent story line!
Check the trigger warnings, but definitely recommend
Multiple POV, well written, excellent story line!
Check the trigger warnings, but definitely recommend
March 3, 2024
Fantastic YA deals with some very big issues and highlights how this impacts life, high school and teenagers. Yes it does influence all ages just this book does great job showing the teenage side. So check triggers as there is teen suicide and other heavy topic. Great story mixed with navigating highschool and life after highschool whilst dealing with issues like survivors guilt, bullying, trauma, ptsd, panic attacks, mental health issues and loss.
It was great book and touched on some issues that are highly stigmatised so it was great to read a story with insight to many issues. We have Hannah and Oli as our main characters who have been best friends since they were five. It follows their final year of high school and the challenges they face. They tackle some big situations and navigate their new feelings for each other. Will their friendship be able to cope with their new feelings?
One big that I loved was how Hannah’s articles were spread throughout.
Great story and highly recommended. Jennah did a fantastic job of writing these topics and being realistic. It was such an important message and the author did a fantastic job.
It was great book and touched on some issues that are highly stigmatised so it was great to read a story with insight to many issues. We have Hannah and Oli as our main characters who have been best friends since they were five. It follows their final year of high school and the challenges they face. They tackle some big situations and navigate their new feelings for each other. Will their friendship be able to cope with their new feelings?
One big that I loved was how Hannah’s articles were spread throughout.
Great story and highly recommended. Jennah did a fantastic job of writing these topics and being realistic. It was such an important message and the author did a fantastic job.
August 23, 2022
Hannah and Oliver, best friends since the age of five, are going into their final year of high school. For the new school paper editor and the up-and-coming AFL recruit, this should be their best year yet... right?
Of course, life happens, causing a ripple effect in their lives and in their relationship. Hannah and Oli must learn to navigate through tragedy and loss, changing dynamics, and the tough stuff that comes along with being a teenager in today's world- but will their friendship make it through?
__
Jennah does an amazing job of bringing these characters to life, making the reader really go through all the emotions and trials with the protagonists, and even creating very human (i.e., realistic, with their own misplaced emotions and fighting their own battles) antagonists. I wish this book had been written when I was in school, because it provided so much of what I needed to hear. I hope this book finds its way into the hands and hearts of today's YA readers and helps them through their own hard times.
Of course, life happens, causing a ripple effect in their lives and in their relationship. Hannah and Oli must learn to navigate through tragedy and loss, changing dynamics, and the tough stuff that comes along with being a teenager in today's world- but will their friendship make it through?
__
Jennah does an amazing job of bringing these characters to life, making the reader really go through all the emotions and trials with the protagonists, and even creating very human (i.e., realistic, with their own misplaced emotions and fighting their own battles) antagonists. I wish this book had been written when I was in school, because it provided so much of what I needed to hear. I hope this book finds its way into the hands and hearts of today's YA readers and helps them through their own hard times.
October 4, 2022
Something To Believe In is a fantastic debut novel written by Jennah Sobevski. It had me hooked from the start. It is a wonderfully written Australian based story that touches on some heavy and important topics. Things such as mental illness, grief, suicide and bullying are addressed in a sensitive way and raise awareness.
The book follows two best friends, Oliver and Hannah through their final year of high school. Hannah is looking forward to being the editor of the school magazine and Oli is working towards fulfilling his dream of being recruited to the AFL.
Everything changes when Oli’s father is killed in a car accident, and Oli starts to struggle with survives guilt. The accident has a domino effect, that leads Oli into making one bad decision after another, leaving Hannah feeling helpless because she can’t help her friend. Emotions run high and things are said and done that can’t be taken back. Is there friendship strong enough to get them through this?
The book follows two best friends, Oliver and Hannah through their final year of high school. Hannah is looking forward to being the editor of the school magazine and Oli is working towards fulfilling his dream of being recruited to the AFL.
Everything changes when Oli’s father is killed in a car accident, and Oli starts to struggle with survives guilt. The accident has a domino effect, that leads Oli into making one bad decision after another, leaving Hannah feeling helpless because she can’t help her friend. Emotions run high and things are said and done that can’t be taken back. Is there friendship strong enough to get them through this?
August 27, 2022
I couldn't put this down. Jennah's writing drew me in, I was invested in the characters and their stories. I'm not into AFL generally and while the protagonist was an Aussie Rules player, it didn't take over the story.
Oli and Hannah's story gripped me from the minute I turned the first page. The themes touch on throughout this debut novel are so common in young people today and I'm grateful Jennah tackled them so gently and honestly.
A beautiful coming of age, Aussie love story. Congratulations on a gripping debut novel.
Oli and Hannah's story gripped me from the minute I turned the first page. The themes touch on throughout this debut novel are so common in young people today and I'm grateful Jennah tackled them so gently and honestly.
A beautiful coming of age, Aussie love story. Congratulations on a gripping debut novel.
October 2, 2022
This was a wonderful YA Romance bringing light to important, often unspoken about, topics. The story was written beautifully. it’s so important for people (especial teenagers) to know it’s okay to talk to someone if they are struggling mentally, and to know that there is always hope and the world would definitely NOT be better without them in it. Very well done. Highly recommend. Also Oli and Hannah’s story was so sweet. I think we all would wish for a love like that
October 21, 2022
Jennah manages to tackle some truly important messages in such a way that you don’t actually realise you’re being exposed to them.
Mental health is a huge topic covered in this book, and Jennah captures the struggles teens experience as they’re faced with the uncertainties of their future beautifully.
Something To Believe In is a fantastic coming of age novel and should definitely be on the reading list for all schools. Loved it!
Mental health is a huge topic covered in this book, and Jennah captures the struggles teens experience as they’re faced with the uncertainties of their future beautifully.
Something To Believe In is a fantastic coming of age novel and should definitely be on the reading list for all schools. Loved it!
July 15, 2022
This was my first ever ARC read and it didn’t disappoint. The story is based on two teenagers finding their way through tragedy and navigating love. It brings to light mental health issues, while also identifying the stigma attached to speaking out and asking for help. Please check the trigger warnings. Overall I enjoyed this book by debut author Jennah Sobevski.
January 5, 2023
This is a YA novel that took me straight back to high school. It deals with the trivial and the very serious sides to being a teenager. Good for YA to read to help them talk about their feelings and a good reminder for parents of teenagers to check in on them regularly.
March 3, 2023
I don’t know why I finished
I kept waiting for this book to get better and it never did. The male main character was so unlikeable and the attempt at his “redemption” at being so horrible was not enough.
I should have DNFed
I kept waiting for this book to get better and it never did. The male main character was so unlikeable and the attempt at his “redemption” at being so horrible was not enough.
I should have DNFed
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews